Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell's overall approval rating, and her rating for honesty and integrity are at
sky-high levels and she defeats either of two likely Democratic challengers by 3 - 1 or 4 - 1,
according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

In possible general election matchups, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack)
University poll shows:

By an 83 - 7 percent margin, voters say Rell is honest and trustworthy and 60 percent of
voters say ethics in state government got better on her watch, while 2 percent say ethics got worse
and 32 percent say the situation didn't change.

"The fundraising controversy involving Chief of Staff Lisa Moody hasn't put a dent in Gov.
Jodi Rell's remarkable approval rating, or in her reputation with the voters for honesty," said
Quinnipiac University Poll Director Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D. "The Republican incumbent starts
her reelection year with commanding leads over either of her likely Democratic challengers - and
even leads among Democrats."

Among Democrats, DeStefano tops Malloy 36 - 18 percent in an early look at a possible
primary, with 42 percent undecided.

For DeStefano, 59 percent of voters haven't heard enough to form an opinion, with 83
percent who haven't heard enough about Malloy.

"Mayors DeStefano and Malloy each must overcome a statewide identity crisis, and then
give Connecticut voters a good reason to elect a new Governor, two very formidable challenges,"
Dr. Schwartz said.

A total of 66 percent of Connecticut voters are "very satisfied" or "somewhat satisfied" with
the way things are going in the state today, while 33 percent are "somewhat dissatisfied" or "very
dissatisfied."

Economic issues constitute the biggest problem facing the state today, 26 percent of voters
say, while 19 percent point to taxes.

From January 4 - 9, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,369 Connecticut registered voters with a
margin of error of +/- 2.7 percentage points. The survey includes 433 Democrats with a margin of error
of +/- 4.7 percentage points.
The Quinnipiac University Poll conducts public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey,
Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida and the nation as a public service and for research.

For additional data-www.quinnipiac.edu and quicklinks

1. Do you approve or disapprove of the way Jodi Rell is handling her job as
Governor?